Maceo Smedley might only be 11 years old, but the rising young star has already won the hearts of many thanks to his incredible talent.
He has appeared in the likes of The Night Shift and Momma, however, he gained phenomenal praise for his role as young slave James in WGN America’s Civil War series Underground, with The Washington Post acknowledging his “standout performance”.
Maceo will soon be on our screens once more in two exciting new roles. First off, he will be starring as Young Tyrone/Cloak in Marvel’s new Cloak & Dagger series, set to air on Freeform from June 7. He will also be playing Devon in Netflix’s All About The Washington’s, which premieres on August 10.
We recently had the chance to ask Maceo about his new roles and his acting career so far, in addition to a round of quickfire questions.
Hi Maceo, welcome to CelebMix! We can’t wait to see you on our screens as ‘Young Tyrone’ aka ‘Young Cloak’ in Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger this June. What can you tell us about your role and the show itself?
This show is going to be exciting for Marvel fans! The way that the storyline has been written to fit problems that we see every day is going to make people think. I play the younger version of the teenage superhero Cloak. He has flashbacks often to events that made him who he is today, and when he flashes back I portray Cloak as a little kid. The best part about the role is that I got to learn how to swim while filming.
What was the filming experience like?
It was very exciting, lots of cool people to talk to and hang around with.
If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?
It would probably be super speed and invincibility. I chose super speed because I could go anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds. I also chose invincibility because it would be fun to play with.
You’re also going to be in Netflix’s All About The Washington’s, which premieres in August. What can we expect from the show and your character?
The world is going to fall in love with my character Devon because he’s a relatable, fun-loving, energetic and goofy kid.
You’ve already received great praise as an actor, particularly for your role in Underground. How does that make you feel?
It’s great to know that people see me and I’ve been doing a great job doing what I do!
You’ve been acting since you were five years old and have already played some incredibly high profile roles. What’s been your favourite role so far?
I can’t say that I have had a favorite role because all of them allowed me to show a different side of myself. James from Underground was emotional. As Young Cloak I was able to do my own stunts. And as Devon I will be able to make the world laugh.
What would be your dream role in the future?
I really want to do cartoons and voice-over work. I feel like that would be fun, and it’s something that I’ve never done before.
Who do you look up to in the acting world?
Denzel Washington is who I look up to the most. I want to be just like him. I did a research paper on him in school and was so inspired by his story.
What do you enjoy most about acting?
The people I’ve gotten a chance to work with are great. They’re like family when you get to know them, and spend so much time together working as a team to achieve a finished product.
What do you like doing in your spare time? We hear that you’re the starting quarterback for your flag football team!
Yes, I did play QB for my flag football team. We got 2nd place in our whole league. When I’m not acting or in school, I like to play football, basketball and play video games with my friends.
Quick fire questions – favourite…
Song? So many new artists have such great music out right now that it’s difficult to decide.
TV show? Drake and Josh
Food? Pizza
Animal? Sharks
Team? Raiders for football and Rockets for basketball
Thank you to Maceo Smedley for his time. Keep up to date with him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger airs on Freeform on June 7, whilst Netflix’s All About The Washington’s premieres on August 10.